Friday Features

Getting into a Substack groove, A feel good recent read, and an oil with many clever uses

Hi Friends,

Summer is officially here! Anyone else feel like the days are so busy in the summer? I sure do and as mentioned above, I’m in the process of trying to find my groove here on Substack. I have a lot of topic ideas I’d like to write about, as well as getting into a more consistent posting rhythm- thank you for your patience as I navigate figuring out my writing flow. I will say, I LOVE exploring Substack and discovering new to me writers. I’ve discovered some really great Substacks… a recent find- Cafe Anne, and her interview with the cat queen of Riker’s Island was fascinating! Not only did I learn new information, but I was able to make a difference by donating (via Chewy.com) to help the wonderful people who work tirelessly helping the 300 stray cats living on Riker’s Island.

Let’s get to Friday Features , a post in which I simply share or “feature” a variety of things I’m reading, enjoying, purchasing, watching etc. I’d love for you to share something you’d like to feature this week!

A FEEL GOOD SUMMER READ

Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman - When a single dad meets the former rock star crush of his youth, everything they thought they knew about happiness and love is thrown into chaos in this hopeful, heartwarming romantic comedy. I loved this book! The characters were charming, flawed, and felt like real people- there were no jerks, no cheesy dialogue, just great writing and a fast plot that lends itself to one sit reading. I listened to this and really enjoyed the audio narration - in fact, I caught myself smiling while walking and listening for most of the book. Matthew Norman is now an auto read author for me- I also loved All Together Now and Last Couple Standing. You can hear more about my thoughts on this book, as well as a fun conversation (and more book recs) about reading under the radar books on this week’s episode of my podcast, Book Talk, etc

ENJOYING

• the Instagram account @petragenco - an over 50 fitness trainer, I’m loving her easy to follow exercises that don’t take long to do

PRODUCTS I’M LOVING

• -The Tackle Box post it notes from Gretchen Rubin - I’m an old school must write my to do’s down on paper type of organizer and I’ve been using these post it notes for over a year and I love them!

• Scrubby Rinse Free Bath Mittens for Pets - A great price point, these quick and easy foaming bath mittens make for a very fast clean up. I’ve used them many times on my own dog and find them to be a super handy item to have on hand

WATCHING

• And Just Like That - (click on link for trailer) Season 2 dropped yesterday and I’ve already watched both episodes and loved every second of the new season

• A Good Person - (click on link for trailer) movie starring Morgan Freeman streaming on Amazon Prime - an emotional movie filled with ups and downs, both my husband and I gave this two thumbs up!

INTERESTING LINKS

• I love a good multipurpose product and this article about the 8 clever uses for coconut oil had me immediately adding it to my grocery list

• I love learning and will never not enjoy a random facts list so this recent article highlighting 125 interesting facts about practically everything immediately caught my eye- I now know what the smallest mammal is:)

• An article that may make you say hmmmm- How you take your coffee says a lot about you… I’m a must have creme + dark roast drinker - how about you?

What would you feature this week? Let’s Share!!